Curtis Haummerson House

With plans now afoot to redo historic Sherman Avenue in Fort Atkinson, an effort is being made to minimize the impact on this beautiful street. It’s not just a matter of saving trees but of preserving the historic setting for the impressive homes and the stories they tell.

For instance, the Queen Anne style house at 213 East Sherman Avenue was built in 1885 by prominent Fort Atkinson businessman David Curtis. Curtis had two children, Harry and Annabelle. Harry remained in this house, and when his sister Annabelle married Tony Haummerson in 1906, Harry’s wedding gift to his sister was to build her a house right across the street.

By that time styles had changed so the stucco-covered Haummerson House that Harry built at 214 East Sherman Avenue is more reflective of the Prairie style with its horizontal emphasis. Now think back . . . what did your brother get you for a wedding gift?

This historic document aired on the radio as an Historic Minute on 05/31/2004.